There are possibly only a few things more nerve-wracking (and possibly embarrassing, and anyone who isn't embarrassed must be a pro) then hoping to go out with the girl eveyone likes, hearing her completment you and then be thrown off when you learn she not only has a boyfriend, (or something similar. Who else could these 'friends' be?) she also thought you were the boyfriend of her annoying friend! Quite annoying indeed.
Ezra wasn't even paying attention to the voices during the days before the next Udalto game, so of course they rung loud and clear. They'd fade in to a point where he could barely hear them or all speak at once like on a fuzzy radio. He wasn't paying attention though, as he gone back to the state of mind where it seemed normal to hear voices. It had taken him a long time to realize no one else could hear the voices, and once again he had forgotten this fact.
The day of the actual Udalto game, however, Ezra did his best to look like he didn't care. He met up with Tori and Katherine at Katherine's house, (which was a large house in the rich part of town- Ezra tried not to look around in amazement at everything there.) and was told that they would be meeting Katherine's friends at the stadium. They had to walk to the stadium, as the stadium was in the heavily protected part of town that the Emerald Palace was. There was a armored guard at every corner, and one patrolling each street. They were ushered into the stadium amoung a large crowd by a less armored guard, though it's body was still entirely covered. The guard didn't look twice at their tickets, and waved them in first.
"They know me here." Said Katherine, "I've been to this place so often. I can't tell the difference between each of the guards of course, but they all seem to know me."
They climbed through the jungle of people and seats, until Ezra finally realized they were heading to the observation booth. As in the one where The Cascade and celebrities sat. A sort of childish glee spread through his head as he imagined maybe meeting The Cascade's Ubica Lecher or maybe Murner Clo and getting their autographs. There was even a chance Fall might be there! Remembering to try to keep cool and collected, he just sat down and resisted the urge to look who sat around him.
Eventually he couldn't help it, and made the excuse that he was going to the bathroom. As he got up slowly, he made note of everyone there: Ubica was there, as well as a few dozen guards in tight formation. Someone seemed to be in the center of them, presumably Fall. A few other important people were sitting the booth, as well as the announcer, but no one Ezra could recognize.
It probably was best Ezra left when he did, because a man walked in as he left. He was someone who looked like some sort of army poster boy, wearing a decorated uniform that marked him as some sort of high rank. He had a buzz cut and a angry looking face. He sat down next to Katherine and started chatting in a most casual way. Unfortunately for Ezra, it seemed he was the friend Katherine was talking about. At least it seemed unlikely he was Katherine's boyfriend. He looked like he was about thirty.
When Ezra returned from using the bathroom (All he did was just stand around for a little while), he sat awkwardly next to Tori. Katherine noticed his return first. "Hey Ezra, this is one of my friends, John. He's... actually a bodyguard my father hired. Though I don't know why he worries, there are plenty of guards to go around." She gave a little laugh, and the rest of the game was watched in silence.
Udalto was a peculiar game, not even really a game. It was strange that people enjoyed it, yet everyone did. It was more similar to the old Colosseum games in the arena then to a sport like soccer. People would be inserted in a random arena and would have to kill everyone on the enemy team to win. It was only thought of as humane because the people in the game didn't actually die- they'd somehow be completely fine later. It was thought that maybe the field was just a projection. It was really a study in human nature to some, as people on the teams were entirely random. They would make alliances with former enemies or maybe kill their teammates. A team was only based on sponsors and team colors, and yet people kept to having a favorite team. The games turned some vicious, believing they could kill anyone they wanted and no one would care. In fact, they were practically expecting to hear the crowds cheering their name like they did whenever they killed in Udalto. Many players went to jail. Some died by doing something stupid and thinking they'd be fine when the game ended. Many thought of themselves as immortal. Officials said it was just a side effect of the life-preservers Udalto used.
The current match was rather close. The Emerald Palace's own team, identified by the green uniforms they wore, had only five men left. The other team, the North Side, wore red and had seven men left. Both sides were taking a defensive stance, as the Emerald Palace had better players today while North Side had more players. Occasionally one of the teams men would try to take a hit on someone, a short scuffle would happen, and both men would go back to be looked after by their teams' medic.
Each team starts with five offensive players, five defense, one field medic, two forward units and a free-form. The five offensive players would carry a gun of their choice with some ammo and would be the ones to lead charges against the other team. The defensive players would have a heavier gun or be set up in a nest. Typically they would remain on their teams half of the field. The medic couldn't do much, but was there to keep as many players alive for as long as possible. The medic would bandage wounds and give quick-acting medication. The forward units were there to scout ahead. You had to be fast to be a forward, as you were supposed to keep a look out to how the enemy was setting up without getting shot. Forwards only had a light pistol to defend themselves with. The free-form was the one member of the team that could basically do whatever they wanted. They were allowed almost any weapon they wanted (Some frees had been known to bring an armored attack dog or a sword and shield), and were the authority of the team no matter what. Most players weren't fond of the free unless they were one of the most expert players.
A big clash was being planned by the North Side team. The free was drawing a picture in the dirt. On the Emerald Palace side, they were also making a plan. The crowd started cheering, anticipating the big clash. Each team marched off according to plan. The crowd cheered louder, as they knew the climax of the fight was about to happen. One by one, the fighting started. Men who ran out of bullets used anything they could find as weapons. If worst came to worst, they bit their enemies, drawing blood. As men fell, the crowd roared. Soon only two were left. They grew paranoid looking for each other in the field. Eventually the Emerald Palace's man found the Red Side's man and crept up behind him to kill him with a metal bar. It was an inefficient and painful way to die, and he did have bullets, but the last man alive tends to be showy when he's about to win.
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